Blackface: I haven’t been successful in the music industry

Ahmedu Obiabo, the Nigerian singer better known as Blackface, says he has not been successful in the music industry.

The musician spoke about his music industry struggles during a chat with Chude Jideonwo, TV host.

Blackface reiterated that no music industry show had ever given him an award since he started music till date.

He said he didn’t mind as he had started out on the career path in revolt against being stereotyped as a minority.

“People see success in different ways. I haven’t been successful in the music industry in terms of the works I’m putting out paying me; buying me a bigger house and space. I don’t really have that,” the singer said.

“What I do have is the respect from the people on the streets; those who say thank you for the music. There’s nothing I can do about that. I started music because I wanted to make it for the fans, not to get rich or famous.

“I started it because I come from Benue state and we’re dubbed the minority. I thought that, if I had a microphone, I was going to be loud and people would be able to hear me. That way, they can listen to the plights of my people.

“That’s the reason why I’m making music. I’m satisfied inside. I don’t care about teh accolades. No Nigerian music industry show has given me one award since I became a singer because I’m teh one they don’t want to rate.

“I’m the one they don’t want to talk about. As long as people embrace the music, I don’t care. I do music differently and they want to be like, ‘why is he different and saying he’s special’. I’m in a foreign land even if I’m in Nigeria.”

Blackface, 2Baba, and Faze had been a part of Plantashun Boiz, an R&B music group that later fell out in 2004.

The trio parted ways after the exit of 2Baba who wanted a solo run on the platform of Kennis Music at the time.

A disagreement would later ensue after Blackface accused 2Baba of stealing the 2004 hit ‘African Queen’ from him.